The Calvert County Department of Economic Development is now accepting grant applications to assist small businesses in Calvert County. The Small Business Assistance Grant Fund was established to provide financial assistance to help local small business owners grow and strengthen their existing businesses.
Interested business owners must apply by visiting www.ChooseCalvert.com/Grant. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Grant awards are expected to be announced in mid-February.
Competitive grants of up to $50,000 will be available to existing for-profit small businesses that meet the grant criteria. The grant may be used for expenses that increase the visibility and sustainability of the business, including but not limited to expanded or new inventory offerings, staff training and development, capital improvement projects, hiring new employees, website development and enhancements, business expansion costs, or other costs associated with investments in business growth.
To be considered eligible for a grant, businesses must:
- Be a for-profit business located in Calvert County, Maryland;
- Be a legally recognized business in good standing in the State of Maryland as determined by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT);
- Be current on all county tax obligations (paid in full);
- Be in operation for at least two years and generating positive income (if your business is not generating positive income, you are still eligible to apply; however, you will need to provide justification as to why your business is not generating positive income); and
- Have at least two employees, but no more than 100.
All applicants must also submit the following when applying:
- Completed online application
- A project description that provides a detailed explanation of how the funds will be used if awarded
- Copies of all trade licenses required for the business
- The first page of the most recent W-9
- Filed business tax return for the last two years (first two pages only)
- Copies of detailed paid invoices and receipts or quotes for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Confirmations received for eligible uses from January 1, 2022 to six months after the start of the grant.
Business owners interested in a grant are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements online at www.ChooseCalvert.com/Grant.
For questions or help with the application, write to e-mail [email protected] or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2881.
The Calvert County Department of Economic Development monitors economic trends and works to implement business programs that complement Calvert County. The department aims to attract and retain strong, healthy and dynamic companies of all sizes and industries. For more information visit www.ChooseCalvert.com.
